Questions from a Newbie Perspective

[DFang]

Hello,
I can't believe it took me 24yrs to discover that a game such as this existed... But once I did, I immediately bought an PFRPG Beginner Box to start with. lol

Anyway, while waiting for it to be shipped to the Philippines, I've been browsing the site trying to understand the dynamics of PFS. Here are the things I wanted to have clarification on regarding online play that I can't seem to find using this site's search toolbar:

1. There are a lot of different scenarios to choose from. As a player only, do I need to buy a copy of that scenario or is that for GMs only?

2. I read a post about there being custom info sheets... What's the recommended standard info sheet to use? Is there an Excel File that on-computer users can use instead? (I'm a relatively good user on it and could generate one if necessary)

3. How do you qualify to be a GM (at least for online play)?

4. Is there some sort of incentive for being a GM?

PS Please pardon me if the last question touches a sensitive subject. It just seems that learning PFRPG enough to be an official GM has a learning curve by itself and carry much more responsibility during the game... Also a yes to the latter option of question #1 means GMs spend more too.

[N N 959]

1. Owning the scenario is necessary to GM the scenario. I'd advise you not to read any scenario you haven't played as this will undermine your experience and in violation of the spirit of the game.

2. When you say info sheets, there are basically two sheets: 1-character sheets; and 2-Inventory sheets. I'd recommend you just use one of the many free downloadable character sheets. The reason is that available sheets as more people will be familiar with the layout. Plus, you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

3. For better or for worse, there is no qualification/certification to GM. You only need to own the scenario. If it's a free scenario, then you don't even need to purchase it.

4. There are incentives and they can be found in the Pathfinder Society Field Guide in detal. In a nutshell, when you GM you get:

a) Full credit for scenario applied to one of your characters. This includes any applicable boons, gold, prestige, and experience.

The real benefit here is that you know, a priori what the boons are and then you can give them to a character of your choosing. There a number of boons that are worthless unless you apply them to right character class. As a player, you will generally not know this in advance so you run the risk getting no value for some really neats boons. Ex. One scenario allows a Ranger to get an Axe Beak as a companion. If you obtain that boon on your Fighter, it does nothing. Worse, you can't play that scenario again without burning a GM star.

b) You increment your scenarios-GM'd counter. These allow perks after a certain volume is reached e.g. replaying a scenario with a character. If you've noticed people with stars in front of their name, it's because of the scenarios/modules they've GM'd.

c) You avoid expending any consumables and there is no risk to the character for which you give the Scenario credit to.